NHS fertility process

[anniz91]

Hi guys,

Please can anyone explain the NHS fertility process?

From the day you see the GP how long does it take to get a referral to a fertility clinic? Also does anyone know if you can go straight to the IVF process rather than artificial insemination?

@anniz91 it all depends on area and the history of the couple. If you haven’t read them already, find your local CCG guidance. We went straight to IVF (or at least were on the waiting list) because my husband has sperm quality issues, I know other areas can make people try different things first.

[quote thislittlebird]@anniz91 it all depends on area and the history of the couple. If you haven’t read them already, find your local CCG guidance. We went straight to IVF (or at least were on the waiting list) because my husband has sperm quality issues, I know other areas can make people try different things first.[/quote]
How long did it take you personally to get IVF treatment from the moment you've been referred to by the GP?

Once you get your GP referral there are usually a couple of rounds of blood tests and possibly scans before they get round to deciding on a treatment path.

And once a treatment path (eg IVF) has been decided upon, there can be another waiting list. I was 18 months from referral to first IVF cycle.

@anniz91 I started with the GP in July 2020, I’m on the waiting list for IVF now, expected to begin in early 2022. It would have been a few months quicker but there were some test result cockups along the way. Some people I know have had a quicker experience in the same CCG, at the same hospital.

@Blankspace4 just out of curiosity, how long were you on the waiting list? I was added in August so I’m waiting around at the moment.

I went to the GP in July 2020 and it took until Nov for them to send the referral out. It then took until Feb 2021 to get an appointment with the fertility clinic and I'm currently on the waiting list for IVF.

It takes a few months once you go to the GP to get all initial tests done - especially the SA can take a while to get an appointment for.

I was referred in June and ive yet to hear anything. I have booked a consultation with a private clinic in the meantime

From memory I was on the waiting list about 10 months

Hi Op, going through this just now but can only comment on the GP to referral at clinic part at the moment.
Visited the GP in July. Before referring me they needed (apparently new covid process):

1. day 1-3 bloods
2. pelvic scan
3. semen analysis (they took my dH's private results which he emailed to the GP)

My pelvic scan is to tomorrow so it has taken 3 months for all the referral requirement. I need to choose my hospital (which I am finding quite difficult with no details of the waiting lists) and my GP said that when I get the link to book post referral, I will be given a first appointment date and estimated treatment date so will keep you updated!

14 months from GP appointment to IVF referral.